Engineering surveying

Course Summary:

This course introduces trainees to the basic principles, methods, and instruments used in engineering surveying. It covers measurement and mapping of land and construction sites to support civil engineering works such as roads, buildings, and bridges. The course emphasizes practical skills in using modern and traditional surveying tools for tasks such as setting out, leveling, and traversing.

Trainees will acquire skills in field data collection, interpretation of survey plans, and performing computations for design and construction. The course aligns with the competency-based education and training (CBET) approach used by NITA and emphasizes both accuracy and safety in survey operations.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the course, the trainee should be able to:

  1. Understand the role and importance of surveying in construction and engineering.

  2. Use surveying instruments accurately for various field tasks.

  3. Conduct linear and angular measurements.

  4. Perform levelling and produce contour maps.

  5. Carry out traverse surveys and compute coordinates.

  6. Set out building and civil engineering structures on site.

Modules / Units Covered:

1. Introduction to Surveying

  • Definition and scope of engineering surveying

  • Types of surveys: topographic, cadastral, construction

  • Importance in construction projects

2. Survey Instruments and Tools

  • Tape and chain

  • Compass

  • Theodolite

  • Dumpy level

  • Automatic level

  • Total station (basic intro)

  • Survey accessories and care

3. Linear Measurement and Chain Surveying

  • Ranging and chaining

  • Booking field notes

  • Offsets and tie lines

  • Plotting from field data

4. Levelling

  • Principles of levelling

  • Types of levelling: differential, profile, fly levelling

  • Booking and reducing levels

  • Contouring and gradient setting

5. Compass Surveying

  • Use of prismatic and surveyor’s compass

  • Bearing systems (whole circle and reduced)

  • Local attraction and corrections

  • Plotting compass traverses

6. Theodolite and Traversing

  • Setting up and using theodolite

  • Measuring horizontal and vertical angles

  • Closed traverse and open traverse

  • Coordinate calculation and error adjustment

7. Setting Out Works

  • Setting out buildings, roads, and drains

  • Reference benchmarks

  • Horizontal and vertical control

  • Use of pegs, profiles, and batter boards

8. Introduction to Digital Surveying

  • Basic use of total station and data recording

  • Concepts of GPS/GNSS in surveying (intro level)

  • Survey data processing overview

Assessment Methods (NITA/CBET Aligned):

  • Formative Assessments:
    Practical exercises in the field, instrument use tests, observation tasks

  • Summative Assessment:

    • Final project (e.g., levelling a profile or setting out a simple structure)

    • Written examination

    • Competency-based fieldwork demonstration

Expected Competencies Upon Completion:

  • Carry out land and construction site surveys using appropriate tools.

  • Perform levelling and contouring for design and earthworks.

  • Interpret and produce basic survey maps and field books.

  • Set out construction projects with precision and accuracy.

Training Resources Required:

  • Survey instruments (tapes, levels, theodolites, compasses)

  • Drawing equipment and field books

  • Survey pegs, ranging rods, and staffs

  • Access to open field or site for practice

  • Survey plans and maps (for interpretation exercises)

measurement of civil works

Course Objectives:

By the end of the course, the trainee should be able to:

  1. Interpret civil engineering drawings and site plans.

  2. Apply standard rules of measurement for civil works (e.g., CESMM, NRM).

  3. Take off quantities for various elements of civil engineering construction.

  4. Prepare abstracts and Bills of Quantities for civil works projects.

  5. Understand basic principles of rate build-up and cost estimation.

  6. Demonstrate workplace-relevant measurement skills using practical scenarios.

Modules / Units Covered:

1. Introduction to Civil Works Measurement

  • Scope of civil works

  • Importance of measurement in infrastructure projects

  • Standard methods: CESMM, NRM for civil works

  • Measurement terms and symbols

2. Interpretation of Civil Works Drawings

  • Site layout plans and profiles

  • Longitudinal and cross-sections

  • Details of roads, bridges, and drainage

  • Symbols, scales, abbreviations

3. Earthworks Measurement

  • Site clearance and topsoil removal

  • Cut and fill (bulk earthworks)

  • Borrow pits, disposal, and compaction

  • Measurement of formation levels and embankments

4. Road Works Measurement

  • Subgrade, sub-base, and base layers

  • Pavement types (asphalt, gravel, concrete)

  • Road kerbs, channels, and road furniture

  • Line marking and signage

5. Drainage and Stormwater Works

  • Pipe culverts and box culverts

  • Manholes and chambers

  • Open drains, ditches, and channels

  • Lining and protection works

6. Concrete and Structural Works

  • Concrete works in bridges and retaining walls

  • Reinforcement measurement

  • Formwork measurement

  • In-situ and precast components

7. Water Supply and Sewer Works

  • Pipework and fittings (PVC, steel, HDPE)

  • Valves, thrust blocks, and chambers

  • Sewerage lines and manholes

  • Trench excavation and backfilling

8. Preparation of Civil BoQs

  • Abstracting quantities from take-offs

  • Description writing and item coding

  • Pricing methods and cost data

  • Preparing BoQs for civil works projects

Assessment Methods (NITA-Aligned):

  • Formative Assessments:
    Weekly exercises, drawing interpretation, take-off tasks

  • Summative Assessment:

    • Final project: BoQ preparation for a road or drainage project

    • Competency-based practical assessment (CBET format)

    • Written examination

Expected Competencies Upon Completion:

  • Interpret engineering drawings and quantify civil components.

  • Prepare accurate Bills of Quantities and estimates for infrastructure works.

  • Apply measurement standards and good documentation practices in civil projects.

Training Resources Required:

  • Civil engineering drawing sets (roads, bridges, drainage, etc.)

  • CESMM or similar method of measurement guides

  • Calculators, scales, and drawing instruments

  • Sample BoQs and rate analysis sheets

  • Site visit or virtual project simulation (optional)

measurement of building

Course Summary:

This course equips trainees with essential skills and knowledge to measure and quantify building works in accordance with recognized practices and standard methods of measurement. It focuses on interpreting working drawings, taking off quantities, and preparing basic cost estimates and Bills of Quantities (BoQs) for domestic and commercial buildings. The course is highly practical, with emphasis on jobsite application and project-based learning, in line with NITA’s competency-based education and training (CBET) approach.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the course, the trainee should be able to:

  1. Interpret architectural and structural drawings for measurement purposes.

  2. Identify and describe building elements for substructure and superstructure works.

  3. Take off quantities for various building works using standard rules.

  4. Prepare abstract sheets and basic Bills of Quantities (BoQs).

  5. Apply basic pricing principles and estimate building costs.

  6. Demonstrate accuracy and consistency in quantification using industry standards.

Modules / Units Covered:

1. Introduction to Measurement

  • Importance and objectives of measurement

  • Standard methods (e.g., NRM, ARM, CESMM basics)

  • Measurement terms and symbols

2. Drawing Interpretation

  • Reading plans, sections, elevations

  • Symbols and abbreviations in drawings

  • Identifying measurement items on drawings

3. Substructure Measurement

  • Site clearance and setting out

  • Excavation, filling and disposal

  • Foundation concrete, blinding, hardcore

  • Foundation walls and ground floor slabs

4. Superstructure Measurement

  • Walling: brickwork/blockwork

  • Columns, beams, and suspended slabs

  • Openings: doors and windows

  • Roof structures and coverings

  • Wall and floor finishes

5. Preparation of Bills of Quantities

  • Measurement sheets and abstracting

  • Description writing and itemization

  • Basic pricing principles

  • Final BoQ formatting

6. Use of Tools in Measurement

  • Measurement tools: tape, staff, calipers

  • Introduction to digital measurement (optional)

  • Common software tools for measurement (demonstration only)

Assessment Criteria (NITA aligned):

  • Formative Assessments:
    Practical exercises, continuous tests, drawing interpretation tasks

  • Summative Assessment:

    • Final project involving preparation of BoQ for a simple building

    • Written exam

    • Competency-based task demonstration (CBET)

Expected Competencies Upon Completion:

  • Accurately measure building elements from drawings.

  • Prepare basic cost estimates for building projects.

  • Compile standard Bills of Quantities for use in site operations and procurement.

Training Resources Required:

  • Drawing sets (floor plans, sections, elevations)

  • Measurement tables and method books (e.g., ARM, SMM)

  • Sample BoQs

  • Basic calculation tools and drawing instruments

  • Access to simple cost data and rates